The symphony will perform two short concerts, starting at 2 p.m. and repeating again at 3 p.m. in the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus.

The concerts will introduce the music the symphony orchestra will perform this year. These short concerts also will provide a brief introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Drawings for free tickets to the upcoming concerts will be held, and patrons will have the opportunity to purchase individual or season tickets to the symphony series. The “Symphony Sampler” concerts are free and open to the public.

“This program should be a fun and informative introduction to the Southeast Missouri Symphony,” said Sara Edgerton, conductor of the symphony. ‘We will perform short excerpts of music from our concert season, including Beethoven’s famous ‘Ode to Joy’ from the ‘Ninth Symphony’ and an excerpt from ‘Star Wars’ by John Williams.” The program will also include a brief demonstration of the different sections of the orchestra, to show how all the various instruments create the amazing range of sounds and expression found in the symphony orchestra.

“This will be a great opportunity for families to introduce their children to the wonderful sounds of the symphony orchestra,” she said. “We certainly welcome everyone to join us for these fun, informative and short concerts to start off our new concert season.”

For more information, please contact the Department of Music at (573) 651-2141.